Erias Lukwago Denied Bail by High Court Amid Treason Charges

Justice David Matovu of the High Court has ruled against granting bail to former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, who is currently on remand facing charges of misprision of treason. The court found that while Lukwago met several bail requirements, including providing substantial sureties, he failed to adequately demonstrate that his medical condition could not be managed within the Ugandan prison health system.

The prosecution had raised concerns about Lukwago potentially interfering with witnesses, a claim the judge dismissed as speculative. Justice Matovu noted that investigations appeared complete and a witness had already testified in a related treason trial.

Similarly, the judge found the prosecution’s argument that Lukwago posed a flight risk due to the potential life sentence for the offense to be speculative, referencing his public service record as an indicator he was unlikely to abscond.

Despite these considerations and the acceptance of Lukwago’s sureties, the critical factor in the bail denial was the lack of a medical report from the Luzira Prison medical officer confirming the inability of prison facilities to treat his condition. The court emphasized that specialist recommendations for overseas treatment were insufficient without this certification.

Furthermore, Justice Matovu pointed out that the bail application was filed in relation to a case that had been committed to the High Court, and the new case file had not yet been assigned to a trial judge. The judge stated that granting bail would be deferred to allow the assigned judge to manage the case effectively.

Lukwago was charged in June for allegedly failing to report a plot to overthrow the government and remains in custody awaiting his trial at the High Court.

Source: Nile Post